Director Mani Ratnam seems to have dropped a subtle hint about his next project during the promotions of Ponniyin Selvan: Part One, which largely went unnoticed due the buzz surrounding PS-I. During the Mumbai leg of promotions, Mani Ratnam while talking about Rajinikanth and PS-I was asked "But maybe in the next film soon?" referring to a collaboration between Mani Ratnam and Rajinikanth.

To this the filmmaker with a very knowing laugh said, "woah, let's see". In retrospect, it seems Mani Ratnam was caught off guard about a project that is already in the brewing, for current buzz is that the director is reuniting with his Thalapathi star. [In the same interview Mani Ratnam was also asked about a reunion with Shah Rukh Khan to which the filmmaker flat-out said, "I should have a script ready for him that's when i can go to him".]

Reports suggest that Rajinikanth has signed two films with Lyca Productions, one of which will be directed by Mani Ratnam. Rajini is currently shooting for Jailer and his immediate next Thalaivar 170  is expected to be with Lyca and Don director Cibi Chakravarthi. 

Mani Ratnam currently has Ponniyin Selvan: Part Two (PS-II) with Lyca Productions in the pipeline, and by the looks of it he will be reuniting with Rajinikanth on Thalaivar 171.